Keep Frostbite from Nipping at Your Toes
At NY Foot Health, we know it’s the time of year for enjoying outdoor winter sports like skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snowboarding. You may not realize it, but depending on how low the temperatures go, it is possible to get frostbite in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Your body reacts to the cold by constricting its blood vessels. This in turn reduces the flow of blood and oxygen, particularly to the extremities—your feet, hands, ears, nose, and lips. Lack of circulation and conditions that are cold enough to freeze the water within skin tissue can cause cell death—or frostbite to occur.
Recognize the Symptoms
At first, your skin may feel cold and you may experience a prickly sensation. Quite quickly, however, the skin becomes numb, making it more difficult to realize that frostbite is occurring. Look for extreme redness, a white or bluish white color or a grayish-yellow color in the skin. The skin may then begin to feel hard and look waxy. You may also notice that the affected joints start to feel stiff. Skin does not have to be exposed to get frostbite. Even skin covered by socks or gloves is vulnerable, particularly if there is wind in addition to low temperatures. Patients with diabetes or other circulation problems are at a higher risk for frostbite.
Preventing a Frosty Injury
You can prevent frostbite by taking some simple precautions and being vigilant when outside in winter weather.
Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors on frigidly cold and windy days. If you plan to do an outdoor activity, check the weather forecast and pay attention what the forecast is for wind chill as well as temperature.
Wear layers. The air that gets trapped between the layers provides insulation. For your feet, socks, and sock liners that wick away moisture from your skin are good choices. You can also use foot warmers, but just be sure that they don’t cause your boots to be too tight as this could restrict blood flow.
Change out of wet socks and clothing as soon as possible.
Don’t drink alcohol when outside on cold days—it causes your body to lose heat faster.
Keep moving—this will help keep blood flowing.
If you notice signs of frostbite get inside to a warm area as soon as possible. Feet should be rapidly rewarmed by immersion in warm water (approximately 100 degrees F). Do not vigorously rub the feet or use dry heat like a hair dryer and this can result in burns. Seek medical attention immediately. If you need to find a podiatrist, use our online directory.
For more ways to keep your feet safe this winter, contact us.